Choosing Cherry Barb Tank Mates
Good Cherry Barb tank mates share the same temperature and pH window, will not be eaten by (or eat) the Cherry Barb, and do not compete for the same swimming zone or feeding time. Each pair guide below scores those factors from 0 to 100 and gives the minimum tank size for keeping both species together.
Start with the highest-scoring pairs; anything under 45 is listed so you know what to avoid, not as a recommendation.
Care baseline
Unlike most barbs, cherry barbs are peaceful schooling fish safe with bettas and nano species. Males turn vivid red when in breeding condition.
| Temperature | 73–81°F |
| pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Adult size | 2 in |
| Minimum group | 6 |